San Diego International Airport Terminal 1 & Roadways

The San Diego International Airport is the busiest single-runway commercial airport in the United States. Originally designed in 1967 to support 2.5 million annual travelers, Terminal 1 now accommodates more than 12 million passengers each year. The outdated facility struggled with overcrowded gate areas and congested roadways, creating an urgent need for a comprehensive transformation. With passenger volumes projected to continue rising through 2035, the terminal required a future-ready solution to transform the travel experience.

The new Terminal 1 offers state-of-the-art passenger processing, security, and amenities in a bright and flexible environment. New roadways, parking, and ground transportation systems reduce congestion. The extended arrivals curb provides ample seating areas and water-wise landscaping. The full terminal façade, titled Luminous Wave, was designed in collaboration with artist James Carpenter to incorporate daylight while reducing glare and heat. A buckling-restrained brace system eliminates two column rows inside the ticketing hall. This structural detail improves circulation and helps future-proof the terminal, in addition to saving $53 million in material cost and reducing embodied carbon by 30%.

Terminal 1 at San Diego International Airport redefines travel by seamlessly connecting curb to gate while preparing for long-term growth. The design integrates roadway, parking, and passenger processing to ease congestion and anticipates future solutions like an Automated People Mover. Reinforcing San Diego’s culture, climate, and environmental values, the terminal prioritizes sustainable strategies while enhancing the passenger experience. The result is a gateway that serves travelers today and positions San Diego as a global city prepared for the future.